In college football, the argument over who’s the best wide receiver is always simmering. Plenty of folks have crowned Ohio State Buckeyes’ Jeremiah Smith as the guy to beat since his jaw-dropping 2024 debut.
But then there’s college football analyst David Pollack, who’s tossed a wrench into things. Pollack recently picked Miami Hurricanes’ sophomore Malachi Toney as his top wideout, and honestly, it’s stirred up a pretty interesting conversation about what makes each of these players special.
Let’s take a closer look at what Smith and Toney have actually done so far—their stats, their strengths, and those little quirks that set them apart from the pack.
Jeremiah Smith: Ohio State’s Big-Play Threat
Jeremiah Smith turned heads the moment he suited up for Ohio State in 2024. That freshman season? Wild—he racked up 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns.
And when the lights were brightest during the College Football Playoff, Smith delivered again. He piled up 381 yards and five touchdowns in just four games, helping push his team all the way to a national title.
Consistency and Record-Breaking Potential
Smith didn’t slow down his sophomore year in 2025. He put up 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Now, heading into the new season, Smith is just 43 catches, 311 yards, and nine touchdowns away from taking over as Ohio State’s all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. That’s not something you see every day.
Malachi Toney: Miami’s Versatile Weapon
Then there’s Malachi Toney, Miami’s sophomore who’s caught the eye of analysts like Pollack. Toney’s freshman campaign was a show in itself—109 catches for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns.
In the College Football Playoff, Toney kept it rolling with 25 catches for 241 yards and three touchdowns. That’s a lot of work for a first-year player.
Versatility and Multifaceted Impact
The thing about Toney? He’s just… everywhere. Pollack’s a fan of how Toney finds ways to matter on every snap.
Miami gets creative—they’ll use him in the screen game, hand it off to him, even toss him in at quarterback for wildcat plays. Last season, Toney logged 23 carries for 113 yards and a touchdown, showing he’s more than just a receiver.
The Debate: Smith vs. Toney
Choosing between Jeremiah Smith and Malachi Toney isn’t exactly straightforward. Both are elite, but their games couldn’t be more different.
Smith is the prototype big-play threat—he’s got the size, the stats, and a knack for showing up when it matters most. That’s hard to ignore.
Comparing Their Strengths
- Smith’s Strengths: Big-play ability, elite size, consistent production, record-breaking potential.
- Toney’s Strengths: Versatility, ability to impact the game in various ways, strong blocking, multifaceted offensive roles.
Smith’s numbers are wild, no doubt. But Toney’s versatility? That’s a different kind of weapon, and it’s a big reason Pollack leans his way.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Both
Who’s actually the best wide receiver in college football? It’s tough to say, but Jeremiah Smith and Malachi Toney are both shaking up what it means to be a star receiver.
Their talents are hard to ignore. Both have racked up highlight reels and brought serious energy to their teams.
For more insights and some deeper analysis, check out the full article on David Pollack’s assessment of the best wide receiver in college football.
Fans and analysts are watching closely as the season rolls on. Will Smith’s knack for breaking records keep him ahead, or will Toney’s unpredictable style steal the show?
Either way, it’s clear—college football’s future looks pretty exciting with these two at the forefront.
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